It will be an exciting summer at Cannon Hall Museum as visitors have the chance to see an exhibition of Old Masters by world-class Dutch painters.

The exhibition, open from Saturday 16 June to Sunday 16 September, is the culmination of detailed research into Barnsley’s fantastic collection of fine art at Cannon Hall. The exhibition and programme of tours, talks and activities provide a chance to find out more about the artists, their subjects and the times in which they lived.

Many of the artworks to be displayed are from the Harvey Bequest given in 2003 through Art Fund to the Museum. Paintings include portraits, seascapes, Italianate landscapes and still lifes. The exhibition also features loans of important works from York Art Gallery, Museums Sheffield and two significant pieces from the National Gallery through the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund; ‘An Elderly Man as Saint Paul’ by Rembrandt, and ‘Skittle Players outside an Inn’ by Jan Steen. These loans all provide the opportunity to see different artists of the period brought together in one exhibition.

Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund, the Weston Loan Programme is designed to directly fund and empower regional and smaller local authority museums to borrow major works or collections of art from the UK’s national museums and galleries.

Cllr Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place said: “The exhibition is an excellent way for visitors to find out more about ‘Dutch Masters’, which is a really fascinating period in art history. We’re fortunate in Barnsley to have such a wonderful collection of work from the time, and it will be incredible to see the paintings showcased alongside work by artists such as Rembrandt.

“Barnsley Museums have a wonderful reputation for bringing exciting and high profile exhibitions to the area, and this one will be no different. We are certain people will travel from all across the county to see the paintings in the serene surroundings of Cannon Hall.”

Philippa Charles, Garfield Weston Foundation director, said, ‘‘We have been blown away by the ambition and creativity of museums and galleries across the UK and Barnsley’s idea really stood out. Some of the most talented curators in the UK have imagined the art, objects and exhibitions which promise to transform the experiences of their audiences. We are delighted that the local community in Barnsley will get to see these amazing paintings.”

Steven Deuchar, Art Fund director, added, ‘We knew the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund addressed a vital need: our national museums want to widen access to the collections they hold, and institutions around the UK want to share these works with their audiences. The response has been overwhelming. We’re pleased to provide the means to enable the greater sharing of art, but, just as importantly, to help empower museums to realise their ambitions.’